‘WHY NOT GET BOTH BRT, LRT?’
Joel Mari Yu, economic consultant of Cebu Economic Business Unit, says anything that will solve Cebu’s traffic condition is a welcome development; Neda says Bus Rapid Transit project will push through, is nearing implementation.
Cebu City consultant Joel Mari Yu points out “anything that will solve traffic now is a very welcome development”
While BRT office starts to reach out to owners of affected lots, DOTr says that the project is on hold, pending review
Why not have both Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) as solutions to Cebu’s pressing traffic woes?
The economic consultant to the Cebu City Government’s Cebu Economic Business Unit (CEBU), Joel Mari Yu, opined that having both mass transport systems in place is what Cebu needs.
“The problem of traffic in Cebu is very real already and it needs a solution...We are not looking for a perfect solution. There is no such thing. Anything that will solve traffic now is a very welcome development, and if the BRT is already there, let’s give it a chance,” said Yu.
The comment came in yesterday after Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, who was in Cebu City last week, talked about his preference for the LRT-subway, a proposal strongly supported by Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Dino.
Neda statement
However, the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) clarified in a statement on Tuesday that the BRT project will still be implemented since this has already been approved by the board, and is nearing implementation.
“Neda stands firm and impartial in upholding standard practices and appropriate Neda Board processes for all infrastructure project proposals,” the agency said in a statement yesterday.
A feasibility study (FS) for the LRT Subway has yet to be submitted to the Department of Transportation (DoTr) and Neda.
“Should FS findings show the projects’ economic viability, these proposals will be thoroughly evaluated by the Neda Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) Technical Board prior to the Neda ICC Cabinet Committee, then the Neda Board for final approval,” the agency added.
Additional cost
However, one concern about LRT, said Yu, is its cost. Aside that it is an expensive transport infrastructure system, this also spells expensive fares for commuters.
Based on his experience in developed countries, a train ride from one station to another would cost around P90 to P100.
“Let the BRT go (for implementation) and examine the LRT and see where it can also be feasible. If it is feasible also, implement it,” he said.
The BRT is a $141-million bus line traversing Cebu City’s major routes, which is targeted for completion by 2018.
Meanwhile, the proposed LRT proposal details an elevated line from outside the southern city limits, and transitions to a subway line in the Cebu City center. It then shifts again into an LRT line to the north of the city.
Let the BRT go ( for implementation) and examine the LRT and see where it can also be feasible. If it is feasible also, implement it. JOEL MARI YU